BRIDLE THE TONGUE

Have you ever had one of those “bite your tongue” days?  I definitely have, and I’m sure you have to.   What I would have said may have been truth, but it would not have been kind.

The Bible says to “speak the Truth IN LOVE” (Eph 4:15). Some words may be truth, but if they’re not spoken in love they should not be spoken at all.   The wisest man who ever lived wrote, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:1).  You can either place wood or water on the fire.  Wood feeds the flame and makes it burn higher and hotter while water helps to douse and put out the flame of anger.  If you choose to put wood (harsh words) on the fire (an argument), you may find yourself getting burnt.

The Bible tells us, “…he who restrains his lips is wise.”  (Prov 10:19) and “…a man of understanding holds his peace.”  (Prov 11:12) “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”  (Prov 13:3).  Your words can get you in more trouble than the things you’ve done.   

“He that will love life, and see good days, 
let him refrain his tongue from evil (speaking injurious words), 
and his lips that they speak no guile (deceitful words):”   
1Peter 3:10  

When I choose to bridle my tongue, I will not have regrets today for what I said yesterday.  

  

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, 

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, 

my strength, and my redeemer.”   

Psalm 19:14